You can make changes if you put your name wrong while booking with United Airlines. If it’s a minor mistake or correction, United Airlines name change policy allows you to make the desired changes. However, you won’t be able to change the entire name to someone else’s.
Making a spelling mistake while entering names may seem minor, but it can be a primary concern once you are at the airport. But do not be concerned, as United Airlines convenient name change policy even allows you to correct those mistakes.
Read on to learn more about United’s ticket name change procedure and underlying rules to get on with your travel plans at ease.
Understanding United Airlines Name Change Policy
Before we get into United airlines name change policy details, you may understand why changing or correcting names is necessary. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- United Airlines or any other airline requires your name on the ticket itinerary to match the government-issued photo ID and passport.
- If the name does not match, you will be denied boarding.
- There may be a delay in your journey, causing you to miss your overall trips.
So, requesting a name correction is necessary as soon as you find the error. Let’s move on to understand United Airlines name change rules:
Essential Rules to Change Passenger Names
- You can request a name change only on United Airlines operated flights.
- The airline does not allow you to change or transfer your ticket to someone else.
- You can only make minor name corrections like spelling errors or request a legal name change.
- Name change requests do not cater to other changes, including fare type, date, time, passenger date of birth, and gender.
- You can only request changes to itineraries with numbers starting with 016.
- Only one name change is allowed per ticket per passenger.
- You must submit valid documents like government ID proof, marriage certificate, etc.
- Always match your name to the government-issued photo ID to request changes.
- United will charge you extra charges if you request a name change more than once, i.e., for the 2nd time or more.
- For code-share or interline, United will make corrections only on their portion of the ticket and not for other flights.
- The airline will not entertain any name changes within 2 hours of the flight’s departure.
Types of Changes Permitted By United Airlines
United Airlines only allows minor name changes to your ticket and won’t allow to change the entire name unless legally necessary. Here are the types of changes United Airlines accepts from passengers:
Minor Name Correction
- You can change your prefix or title.
- Modification to or from a nickname. E.g., Oscar to Os
- Edit your middle name. E.g., John Fitzgerald Kennedy to John F Kennedy
- Fix a minor typo error. E.g., Charel to Charles and Wilson to Wilson
Significant Name Correction
- Request for major changes in case of marriage or divorce.
- Provide your marriage certificate for legal name change.
- Submit your divorce papers denoting the settlement status.
- If you request a complete name change, submit proof of the old and new valid government IDs.
How Can I Change My Name On A United Airlines Ticket?
Requesting United Airlines name correction or changes is simple. You can simply contact the airline or check your trip details online for name change eligibility. If your ticket allows name changes, you will see an Edit option near your name, or you can simply call United Airlines customer service for the same request and get help from an expert.
Phone Call
- Dial 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to modify your name.
- Select the necessary IVR prompt to connect with the agent.
- In the next few minutes, an airline representative will join the call.
- Start with a formal introduction.
- Share your name change concern with them.
- Inquire about the United Airlines Name Change Policy in detail.
- Kindly provide your confirmation number and last name.
- Let them check the eligibility criteria.
- They will update you if you fall under the desired criteria.
- Provide your correct name spelling to them.
- Proceed to pay the estimated charges and wait.
- Finally, request the agent to send the latest flight itinerary via email.
Official Website
- Visit the official website of United Airlines (united.com) and log in.
- Next, you have to locate the “My Trips” option.
- Enter your PNR number and last name in the necessary fields.
- Head to tap on the “Change Flight” option.
- Now, you have to tap on the “Edit” > “Name Correction” option.
- Edit your name
- Proceed to attach mandatory documents.
- Adhere to the on-screen instructions and fix your name spelling.
- Once the changes are processed, you will receive a confirmation mail.
Please note that this option is only available to change United Airlines MileagePlus Account names; you can still check your eligibility to make ticket name changes. If you see an edit icon next to your name under ticket details, you can easily request the same.
How Much Does United Charge For Name Change?
There might be a small fee to request United Airlines for a name change. The exact amount may be around 75 USD for requesting the changes within 24 hours of booking. The later you request the changes, the higher the fees can go. (up to 200 USD}
This may change subject to airline policies, but the airline charges this amount to process your name changes for now. If you wish to request name changes in a United Airlines group booking, you can check the relevant rules and regulations from the airline.
How Do I Change My Name on My United MileagePlus Account?
Those with a MileagePlus account with United Airlines can request a name change apart from changing their gender and date of birth. Moreover, make sure that the details in the MileagePlus account match your government ID. Scroll through the information below to know how you can change your name on the MileagePlus account.
Via MileagePlus Account
- Enter your MileagePlus number to log in.
- Go to "Profile"> "About Me"> "Edit Personal Information" option.
- Submit the final changes.
- Upload a copy of essential documents ( Marriage certificate, divorce papers, legal document used for name change, or new and old government-issued ID)
- This entire process will take two weeks.
- Contact MileagePlus Service Centre if you wish to make any modifications in the future.
You can also dial United Airlines customer service number 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to request a simple name change. On the other hand, if you wish to fix any significant error in your MileagePlus account, then you must mail the name affidavit to MileagePlus Service Centre, P.O Box 1394, 77251-1394, Houston, TX.
Can I Transfer My United Flight Ticket To Another Person?
United Airlines will not allow ticket transfers to another person in any case. You can’t transfer the ownership of your ticket to someone else. Most tickets are strictly non-transferable. Name change policy is applicable if you have a transferable ticket like in a higher cabin class.
When it comes to ticket transfer, United Airlines has very strict policies. You cannot transfer the ownership of your ticket to someone else if you have purchased a non-transferable ticket. This policy is applicable only if you have bought a transferable ticket. Such tickets have a higher price value and allow the passengers to transfer their ticket value to another person.
If you still wish to transfer the ticket, it’s better to cancel your booking for a full refund and rebook it in the new person’s name. But again, this will only apply for refundable tickets as they offer full refunds.
What Should I Do If a Wrong Name Is Printed On My Boarding Pass?
Change it. Indeed - There's no other option. If there's a wrong name printed on your boarding pass, you must request a name change through the above-mentioned mediums because an incorrect name can lead to significant consequences. These are the steps you should follow if you discover a typo in your name.
- If you have discovered it before departure then call and update this issue at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). The available agent will assist you with the relevant procedure which you can follow to change your name on the boarding pass. Once it's done, take a printout of the new boarding pass.
- If you're at the airport, then immediately look for a United Airlines Representative at the airport. Address your issue to them. They are skilled professionals to handle such situations efficiently.
- Submit mandatory documents like government-issued ID proof which highlight the correct spelling of your name. It's crucial that the name mentioned in your ID proof must match the boarding pass.
Tips To Avoid Name Change Charges On United Ticket
An error can lead to unexpected charges. To make sure that you repetitively don't fall into the same situation here are some major tips for your help. Go through each of them and make sure that you don't make the same mistake in the future.
- Keep your government ID proof with you while filling your name in the reservation.
- Double-check your information before final submission.
- Avoid using autofill tools to fill out your name in the flight itinerary.
- Become a MileagePlus member in the future as it fetches correct details automatically.
What will Happen If Wrong Name Is Printed On My United Ticket?
You will likely face a huge disturbance if you have the wrong name printed on your ticket. As per the TSA regulations, it's mandatory that your name matches proof of your government ID. If it doesn't, here are some consequences you might face if you travel with the wrong name.
- You will be denied boarding your scheduled flight.
- You might have to cancel your entire reservation and book another flight.
- You will have to pay extra charges for the name change.
Conclusion
To correct your name spelling or request a legal name change on a United Airlines ticket, make sure that you understand their policy in detail. Check out United Airlines name change process and be ready with all your necessary documents. If you're proceeding with significant changes then you must mail your affidavit or supporting documents to the address or email it to the airline for relevant response.
